Bangladesh is bracing for potential widespread disruption‍ as supporters of the awami League threaten to obstruct February’s national elections if ⁢a ban on the party is not lifted. The warning, issued⁤ on⁣ November 16, ‌2025, by Sajeeb Wazed, son and advisor to ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, also included a stark warning of escalating violence​ should the party ‌remain prohibited from participating.

Hasina awaits verdict in ‍Absentia

The threat comes on the eve of a highly ‍anticipated televised verdict from a Dhaka court, ⁣scheduled ‍for November 17, 2025. Sheikh Hasina, 78, is expected to⁣ be convicted in‍ absentia on charges of crimes against‍ humanity ⁢related to​ a crackdown on student-led protests in ⁢2024. Hasina maintains her innocence, asserting the case is politically motivated.

Recent ‌Political Violence

The current ⁣political climate ‌is already fraught‌ with tension following a period of ‌intense unrest in July and ‍august of last year. A United‌ Nations report documented⁢ that between ​July 15 and August⁢ 5, 2024,⁤ anti-government demonstrations resulted in an ⁣estimated 1,400 deaths ⁢and⁢ thousands of injuries. ‍The vast‍ majority of casualties ⁤were caused‌ by gunfire ⁤from⁤ security forces, ⁣marking the worst political ​violence in Bangladesh since its 1971 independence war.

The​ upcoming court decision and the ‌potential for a ban on the Awami League raise serious concerns about the⁣ stability of Bangladesh’s democratic process and the possibility of further unrest. The situation demands careful monitoring as​ it⁢ unfolds.